Madden, NCAA Set to Break Records

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Electronic Arts' gridiron giant excels again.

By IGN Staff

According to Electronic Arts' own internal tracking and individual retailer reports, Madden NFL 2004 may be the fastest-selling football game to date and, coupled with sales of NCAA Football 2004, the two games are nearing the compiled sell-through mark of 3 million units. EA wants to clarify this more than ever now that Sega Sports today is shipping ESPN Football 2004.

EA's tracking courses have recorded that Madden NFL 2004 has sold through more than two million units in more than three weeks (it shipped in August 11), and NCAA Football 2004, which shipped on July 16, has sold through close to one million units.

"The data we're getting from retailers indicates this could be another record breaking year for Madden NFL and NCAA Football," said EA Senior Vice President of Marketing Frank Gibeau. "The season is just beginning and serious fans have already been to the store twice for football games made by EA Sports."

"Based on the first three weeks of sales across all platforms, Madden NFL 2004 is the fastest selling game in the history of EBGames," said Jeff Griffiths, president and CEO.

"EA broke the record," said GameStop President and Chief Operating Officer Dan DeMatteo. "Madden's first week numbers made it the fastest-selling game we've ever had in our stores."

According to EA, both games are currently tracking ahead of last year's sales, when independent data showed Madden and NCAA Football were the number one and number two selling football titles in 2002, compiling a collective category market share of 82.1%. This, despite many game reviewers who scored Sega's NFL 2K3 equal or even higher in game scores.

Also interesting to note is that in the past six weeks both Madden NFL 2004 and NCAA Football have registered 200,000 new PS2 online user accounts.

"We couldn't be happier with the way this game has been received by fans and critics," said EA's Tiburon Studio General Manager Steve Chiang. "Gaming critics have overwhelmingly chosen Madden NFL 2004 as the top rated game and we've achieved our highest ratings in the history of the franchise."

"Consumer enthusiasm for our football titles suggests it's going to be an unprecedented year for the entire EA SPORTS brand," said Frank Gibeau. "September releases include NASCAR Thunder 2004, NHL 2004 and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004. In October, we'll launch a major marketing campaign to promote breakthrough game play innovations in NBA LIVE 2004. We'll finish up the year in sports with FIFA 2004 and NCAA March Madness 2004 launching in November."